Cooper Discoverer ATW - Initial Thoughts

[rcfs1834]

I just swapped out BFG KO2's for Cooper Discoverer ATW's and I wanted to post my initial thoughts and observations. So far in November, we've had over a foot of snow in the last couple weeks and some sleet and freezing rain. Luckily I put the ATW's on a few days before the first storm and they've performed great to date. Had it in 4WD and RWD during the storms and the 4Runner felt planted.

I've never run dedicated snow tires and was wondering if I should put on a set of Blizzaks for the winter and run the KO2's during the summer since my KO2s had lost all wet traction at 20k miles. But then I found the ATWs and you can run them year round. The ATW's seem to be a "winterized" version of the old AT3's (more siping, etc). Also I was hemming and hawing about getting the new AT3 4S and decided to go with the ATW since the 4S just came out (both are 3PMSF rated).

A downside is that the ATW side walls aren't aggressive like the KO2, so looks wise the ATW is boring. But I'll take function over cool factor all day long. Also I would say they're not meant for extreme off roading, but for snowy/icy roads and mild off roading, they'll do just fine.

 

[WI_4Runner]

I was eyeing these as well. Sounds like a great winter-oriented AT tire, but I read a few reviews saying they wore slick/out of tread after a year or two.

I'm curious to see if anyone else has had em long enough to garner an accurate 4Runner review.

 

[kjbenner]

I've also been eyeing these (and the AT3 4S), and would love to hear how these hold up over time, especially from anybody who's running these year-round.

 

[EAF4runner]

Picked up a set for my gx470. We shall see how they perform in the winter weather here in Bozeman. I as well was on the fence about getting the 4s. The cheaper price of the atw’s and the bigger rebate was the deciding factor for me. I won’t be running them in the summer. I am looking at getting some discoverer at3 xlt in 285/75/17 for the summer time.

 

[JLTD]

Subscribed....will be in the market for new tires next year; interested in seeing how these tires work for you guys.

 

[Coyster]

I've had the Cooper AT/W on my tires for 3 years/20,000 miles or so, they look like they're brand new and have been excellent "all season" tires. I'd recommend them!

 

[rcfs1834]

Just a follow up to my original post after the winter. Installed them in mid November and now it's beginning of Aprii. The 2018/19 winter here in Maine was average and I definitely got to put the ATW's through their paces in driving conditions ranging from torrential rain to freezing rain to major snow storms.

Overall I was very pleased with their winter performance. Definitely felt more "planted" compared to the KO2's or the OEM tires. I will say that on glare ice they aren't as good as a Blizzak but that's understandable since you can run the ATW's year round. My opinion is that the ATW's are a lot better than your typical all weather tire, but not as good as a dedicated snow tire, in winter weather. But I do like that you can run the ATW's year round and they seem to be wearing well. I'll give an update after the summer on how they are on dry pavement and mild off roading.

 

[lyodbraun]

Sounds good I’m also running the AT/W on my 4Runner had thought of getting the at3/4s as well but had read where those weren’t the greatest in wet braking and through turns... plus after having a crap set of original at/3 on the wife’s vehicle I was wanting to steer clear of them ... so far I’m very happy with how well the AT/w is working moves water like crazy and feels very stable..