New Tires: Cooper Evolution M/T
 

I've been looking for a new set of tires and ran across the Cooper Evolution M/T. They've been out for a couple months now, but haven't seen any other 4Runners running these yet.

I had Nitto Terra Grappler G2's previously but wanted something more aggressive in both looks and performance. I was looking at the Nitto Ridge Grapplers, but decided to give these a shot. They were reasonably priced from Walmart.com during a holiday sale (never thought I would purchase tires from them, but it worked out nicely).

I went with stock size LT265/70R17 121/118Q, as I am only planning a small leveling lift on the front using Eibach shocks at .8" and didn't want to deal with the speedometer being off or have any rubbing issues (this is my daily driver). The tires are E Load Rated but they only weigh 51 lbs each. Tread depth is 18.5 so they are pretty beefy. I watched some of the product videos on YouTube and they kept the weight down by using a 2-ply side wall. That might sound weak, but apparently they used higher density cords in the sidewall and according to Cooper it's only 10% less sturdy than the Cooper STT PRO. I'm in Florida and just planning on mud/sand usage, so no need to have the max strength in the sidewall.

I think of these tires like a hybrid that falls somewhere between an MT and AT. I like that they have big chunky treads, but that the sidewalls don't look overly knobby. I had heard mixed reviews about Walmart's auto center, but decided to go ahead and get them mounted and balanced. The guys said they balanced up nicely and I don't have any steering wheel shimmy at any speed. There is a little more road noise compared to my old Nitto Terra Grappler G2's but that's to be expected. They don't seem to be loud tires. I'm at 38 PSI right now and the ride is not harsh. I will have to do a chalk test to see where the correct pressure should be. I haven't taken them offroad, as I just got them installed this morning, but I'm excited to try them out.

Here are some pics:

Yea, hybrid design like the Milestar Patagonia M/Ts. You better rotate every 3k as they will get loud. 51 lbs is pretty amazing though. Just an FYI, the BGF KO2 C-load is also 2 ply but thicker plies and it weighs 51 lbs as well. But E load at 51 lbs is dang good.

Please review later, I would definitely be interested in seeing how they do after some miles on them. I think Cooper's are made in the USA too.

Good looking tire.

Looks great, I plan on running these in 295 whenever my ridge grapplers need replacing

lol those are definitely not a hybrid that falls between M/T and A/T, that's a full-on M/T tire.

The Cooper Discoverer AT tires would be all-terrain tires

The outside is full on mud, but the inside not so much so you can get much better highway noise reduction. But yea, more close to mud than AT.

They are pretty aggressive. I was just thinking that M/T's are something like a Super Swamper or dedicated offroad tire that you wouldn't necessarily drive on road.

Sure thing. I drive quite a bit so I'll update in a little while.

They are made in the USA. Here's the info from the sidewall

I am also planning on running these soon in 35's.. I am surprised how light they are compared to other hybrid E-rated tires. That 5-7 pounds per tire will make a huge difference.

good looking tire. keep us updated. I'm soon going to be in the market for some myself.

Been eyeing these. Looking forward to your update. (I'm also in FL)

Hoping you say they are awful so I don't by a mud tire that I really don't need.

Interesting, Mickey Thompson’s newish Deegan 38 MT also uses a 2-ply sidewall technology but is E rated, made by Cooper. Looks like they’re even lighter as well? I know the ratings and actual sidewall plys don’t always correspond, but and E in 2-ply seems uncommon.

The price on those evolutions is tempting, I wonder how long they’ll last? The STT Pro’s wear super quick in my experience. Please report back over time!

It's been a week now. Here are my first thoughts on street usage.

I told the guys to install at 38 PSI, but found out they actually put in 32 PSI to match factory recommendation. I increased to 38 PSI. Ride got a little stiffer, but bumps are not jarring.

Gas mileage looks to be a little less than with the stock rubber, but not more than .5 MPG.

Acceleration and responsiveness is the biggest thing I have noticed. Need to use more of the right foot to get moving. Downshifts used to be violent with the stock Dueler HT's, but now they actually feel smoother, albeit slower, as it tries to move the heavier weight.

As far as tire noise and feel, there is a low rumble up to 25-30 mph. As you get going faster you can definitely hear them running, but it's not a loud howl. If you turn the radio up it overtakes the sound of the tires. I was expecting some road noise when I put them on, and there is, but it's not unbearable.

We had a pretty good rainstorm earlier this week on my commute to work. They felt solid but I wasn't doing a lot of lane changing. We don't have a lot of curves in Florida, so I can't say how they perform on the twisties. I did try to accelerate fast from a stop light and there was no spin (my dueler HT's would spin every now and again in the rain at 25k miles). Didn't ever come across standing water at speed so not sure how they do with hydroplaning.

I'm going to the Plant Bamboo mud park/ranch this weekend to try them out. I'll report back next week.

Just checking back on the Coopers. Any time with them off-road? Further observations? And specially, any thoughts on the E load tire ride quality?

Thanks again.

Any updates on the tires? Looking to pickup a set or go STT Pro.