Are you gearing up for some serious off-road adventures and can’t decide between the Toyo Open Country M/T and the Cooper Evolution M/T? Both tires are renowned for their ruggedness and durability, but understanding their specific strengths and weaknesses can help you make the best choice for your vehicle and driving needs.
The Toyo Open Country M/T excels in off-road terrains with its exceptional traction on sand and rocks, while the Cooper Evolution M/T offers better wet performance and dry road handling.
In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of the Toyo Open Country M/T and Cooper Evolution M/T, exploring their key features, performance in various conditions, and how they stack up against each other and other leading competitors.
Toyo Open Country M/T
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.4 of 10
All Terrain
9.7 of 10
Tread Wear
7.7 of 10
Dry Weather
8.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.8 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 9.9 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.2 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.1 of 10
Cornering: 8.0 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 7.2 of 10
The Toyo Open Country M/T is built for adventure, designed to tackle the toughest off-road conditions. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, muddy paths, or sandy dunes, this tire promises exceptional traction and durability. It’s a favorite among off-road enthusiasts for its aggressive tread design and reliable performance.
Key Features
- Aggressive Tread Design: The Open Country M/T features deep tread blocks and an open shoulder design, enhancing its ability to grip loose surfaces like mud and sand.
- Durability: Constructed with a high turn-up, 3-ply polyester casing, this tire offers superior strength and puncture resistance.
- Enhanced Off-Road Traction: With large, hook-shaped blocks, the tire excels in off-road conditions, providing excellent grip on rocks and dirt.
- Mud and Snow Performance: The tire’s deep sipes and open tread pattern help maintain traction in muddy and snowy conditions.
Performance Breakdown
Off-Road (9.7)
- Dirt: 9.8
- Sand: 9.9
- Mud: 9.6
- Rock: 9.5
The Toyo Open Country M/T is a beast off-road. Its high dirt and sand ratings make it a top performer in loose terrains. Think of it as a tank – unstoppable and unyielding.
Wet Performance (8.1)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.2
- Wet Traction: 8.1
In wet conditions, the Toyo holds its own but isn’t as stellar as some competitors. It’s like driving with good but not great rain tires.
Dry Performance (8.4)
- Corner Stability: 8.0
- Dry Traction: 8.6
- Steering Response: 8.5
The tire’s dry performance is solid but not exceptional. Imagine a sturdy workhorse – reliable but not particularly agile.
Winter/Snow Performance (8.4)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.5
- Deep Snow Traction: 8.8
- Ice Traction: 7.8
The Open Country M/T handles light and deep snow well but struggles on ice. It’s like wearing warm boots that slip on icy patches.
Comfort (7.7)
- Ride Quality: 8.3
- Noise: 7.2
While the ride is relatively smooth, the tire’s noise level is noticeable. Think of it as a comfortable but slightly loud SUV.
Treadwear (7.7)
The treadwear rating indicates that the tire may not last as long as some competitors. It’s like wearing out your favorite boots a bit too quickly.
Pros
- Outstanding off-road traction in dirt, sand, mud, and rocks
- Durable construction with high puncture resistance
- Good performance in light and deep snow
Cons
- Mediocre wet performance
- Struggles on ice
- Higher noise levels on the road
- Shorter tread life compared to some competitors
Cooper Evolution M/T
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.2 of 10
Wet Weather
8.3 of 10
Winter Weather
8.2 of 10
All Terrain
9.4 of 10
Tread Wear
6.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
None
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 9.8 of 10
Mud Grip: 9.6 of 10
Sand Grip: 8.9 of 10
Rock Grip: 9.3 of 10
Hydroplaning: 8.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.4 of 10
Cornering: 8.8 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.7 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.3 of 10
Road Noise: 7.2 of 10
The Cooper Evolution M/T is designed for drivers who love to take their trucks off the beaten path. This tire is built to conquer challenging terrains with ease, offering excellent traction and durability. With its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced construction, the Evolution M/T is a solid choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Aggressive Tread Pattern: The Evolution M/T boasts large tread blocks and wide, deep voids that help expel mud and enhance grip on loose surfaces.
- Durable Construction: The tire features Armor-Tek3 construction, providing increased sidewall strength and puncture resistance.
- Off-Road Traction: Enhanced with stone ejector ribs and scalloped shoulder lugs, this tire ensures excellent traction on rocky and muddy terrains.
- Mud Performance: Its tread design includes alternating mud scoops for superior mud traction and self-cleaning capabilities.
Performance Breakdown
Off-Road (9.4)
- Dirt: 9.8
- Sand: 8.9
- Mud: 9.6
- Rock: 9.3
The Cooper Evolution M/T excels in dirt and mud, offering reliable performance. Think of it as an off-road ATV – rugged and ready for any adventure.
Wet Performance (8.3)
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.3
- Wet Traction: 8.4
While decent in wet conditions, the Evolution M/T isn’t the best in its class. It’s like driving with dependable, but not outstanding, rain boots.
Dry Performance (9.0)
- Corner Stability: 8.8
- Dry Traction: 9.3
- Steering Response: 8.7
The tire performs well on dry roads, providing stability and good traction. Imagine a sports utility vehicle – sturdy with a bit of agility.
Winter/Snow Performance (8.2)
- Light Snow Traction: 8.7
- Deep Snow Traction: 8.3
- Ice Traction: 7.5
The Evolution M/T is competent in light snow but struggles more in deep snow and on ice. Think of it as reliable winter shoes that could use better ice grips.
Comfort (7.7)
- Ride Quality: 8.3
- Noise: 7.2
The ride is reasonably comfortable, though noise can be an issue. It’s like driving a powerful truck with a bit of a roar.
Treadwear (6.6)
The treadwear rating indicates a shorter lifespan compared to some competitors. It’s like wearing out your favorite running shoes faster than expected.
Pros
- Excellent off-road traction, especially in dirt and mud
- Durable construction with strong sidewalls
- Good dry road performance
Cons
- Mediocre wet performance
- Struggles on ice
- Noticeable road noise
- Shorter tread life compared to competitors
Comparative Analysis
When choosing the right tire for your off-road adventures, the details make all the difference. Both the Toyo Open Country M/T and Cooper Evolution M/T offer robust features for the discerning driver, but their strengths cater to slightly different driving preferences and priorities. Let’s break it down to help you decide which tire might be the best fit for your ride.
Off-Road Capabilities
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Cooper Evolution M/T | |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt | 9.8 | 9.8 |
| Sand | 9.9 | 8.9 |
| Mud | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Rock | 9.5 | 9.3 |
Both tires perform exceptionally well off-road, but the Toyo Open Country M/T slightly edges out with higher scores in sand and rocks. This makes the Toyo better suited for varied off-road terrains, ensuring you get maximum grip and stability in loose surfaces.
Performance in Wet Conditions
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Cooper Evolution M/T | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroplaning Resistance | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| Wet Traction | 8.1 | 8.4 |
The Cooper Evolution M/T takes the lead in wet conditions with better traction and hydroplaning resistance. If you frequently encounter wet and slippery roads, the Cooper might offer you better safety and control.
Dry Traction and Handling
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Cooper Evolution M/T | |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Stability | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| Dry Traction | 8.6 | 9.3 |
| Steering Response | 8.5 | 8.7 |
The Cooper Evolution M/T offers better dry traction and corner stability, making it a strong performer on paved roads. If you enjoy a balanced drive with good handling on highways and city streets, the Cooper might be your pick.
Comfort and Noise
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Cooper Evolution M/T | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Quality | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Noise | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Both tires offer similar comfort levels, but noise can be an issue for both. If you value a quieter ride, you might need to consider other options or be prepared for some road noise.
Treadwear and Durability
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Cooper Evolution M/T | |
|---|---|---|
| Treadwear | 7.7 | 6.6 |
The Toyo Open Country M/T outlasts the Cooper Evolution M/T in terms of treadwear. If longevity is a priority, the Toyo might offer better value over time despite its higher initial cost.
The Verdict
- Choose Toyo Open Country M/T if: You need exceptional off-road performance, especially in sand and rocks, and prioritize durability and longer tread life. This tire is ideal for drivers who frequently tackle varied and challenging terrains.
- Opt for Cooper Evolution M/T if: You want better performance in wet conditions and dry road handling. This tire suits drivers who balance off-road adventures with regular highway driving and need a tire that handles well in diverse conditions.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the Toyo Open Country M/T and Cooper Evolution M/T are solid choices for off-road enthusiasts, the tire market is bustling with alternatives that might better align with specific needs or budgets. Let’s explore a few other players in the Off-Road Maximum Traction Truck tire category and see how they stack up.
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
Performance Ratings:
- Off-Road: 9.5
- Wet: 8.9
- Dry: 9.1
- Winter/Snow: 8.5
- Comfort: 8.2
- Treadwear: 8.8
Pros: Excellent off-road capabilities, strong wet and dry performance, good durability.
Cons: Mediocre ice traction, slightly noisier.
Ideal Usage: Best suited for serious off-roaders who also drive in wet and dry conditions.
Firestone Destination M/T2
Performance Ratings:
- Off-Road: 9.4
- Wet: 8.5
- Dry: 8.8
- Winter/Snow: 8.5
- Comfort: 8.1
- Treadwear: 8.3
Pros: Great off-road performance, strong dry traction, good light snow traction.
Cons: Average wet performance, noisy on highways.
Ideal Usage: Ideal for off-road enthusiasts who need reliable dry traction and decent winter performance.
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
Performance Ratings:
- Off-Road: 9.5
- Wet: 8.5
- Dry: 8.9
- Winter/Snow: 8.0
- Comfort: 8.0
- Treadwear: 8.2
Pros: Outstanding mud traction, excellent off-road performance, good dry traction.
Cons: Poor ice traction, lower comfort levels.
Ideal Usage: Perfect for drivers who frequently encounter muddy terrains and need robust off-road capabilities.
Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features that cater to different driving styles and priorities:
- For Balanced Value and Performance: The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 strikes a good balance, offering solid performance across various conditions. It’s ideal for those who need a versatile tire without compromising too much on any front.
- For Strong Off-Road and Dry Performance: The Firestone Destination M/T2 shines in off-road and dry conditions, making it perfect for those who need a reliable tire for rugged adventures and highway driving.
- For Muddy Terrains: The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 excels in muddy conditions, making it the go-to choice for drivers who often find themselves in deep, sticky situations.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:
- Toyo Product Page
- Cooper Product Page
- Off-Road Maximum Traction Truck Tire Consumer Ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Toyo Open Country M/T and Cooper Evolution M/T comes down to your driving priorities. The Toyo Open Country M/T stands out with its superior off-road traction, making it ideal for drivers who frequently tackle challenging terrains like sand and rocks. On the other hand, the Cooper Evolution M/T offers better wet and dry road performance, providing a balanced driving experience for those who mix off-road adventures with regular highway driving.
Both tires have their pros and cons, but understanding your driving needs and the conditions you face most often will guide you to the best choice. Whether you lean towards the robust off-road prowess of the Toyo or the versatile handling of the Cooper, both options are capable and reliable for the adventurous driver.
Good luck and happy motoring.
