When it comes to choosing the perfect set of tires, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’m here to help you navigate the world of tire brands and make an informed decision.
In this post, we’ll delve into the depths of Cooper and Hankook, comparing their histories, performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, as well as their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme in the tire industry.
So, let’s dive in!
Cooper vs Hankook – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Hankook | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | South Korea |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1941 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Clarksville, TN or Akron, OH, in addition to South Korea, China, Hungary, Indonesia, Germany, and Japan |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (South Korea) |
About the Brands
1. Cooper
Cooper Tire is an American brand that was founded in 1914 and is currently owned by the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought Cooper in 2021 for about $2.8 billion worth in cash and shares.
With its headquarters in the United States, Cooper has a rich history in the tire industry.
Over the years, it has become renowned for its quality and innovative tire designs.
From its humble beginnings, Cooper Tire has steadily grown, establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The brand has consistently focused on manufacturing tires that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and safety.
Cooper has also expanded its product range to cater to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorsports.
Through its commitment to excellence, Cooper Tire has built a strong reputation among drivers worldwide.
The brand’s dedication to research and development has allowed it to introduce cutting-edge technologies, enhancing traction, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Cooper’s tire offerings are widely recognized for their reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.
With a century-long legacy, Cooper Tire continues to thrive, providing drivers with high-quality tires that deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring safety on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
2. Hankook
Hankook Tire is a renowned tire brand that originated in South Korea in 1941.
It is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., the parent company responsible for its success.
Over the years, Hankook has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, catering to diverse vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.
The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has propelled its growth, allowing it to become one of the largest tire manufacturers worldwide.
With cutting-edge research and development capabilities, Hankook consistently introduces advanced tire technologies, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability.
Today, Hankook tires are trusted by millions of drivers around the globe, offering a wide range of products that deliver excellent traction, handling, and comfort across various road conditions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks (including light trucks and medium-duty trucks)
- Buses
- Race cars
- Golf carts
- All-terrain vehicles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 vs the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2.
In my opinion, as the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 earns a rating of 4.3, while the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 receives a rating of 4.6.
Both tires have received highly positive reviews for their dry performance, showcasing impressive grip, handling, and braking capabilities.
While the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 excels in grip and braking, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 stands out with its handling and cornering abilities.
Considering their slight differences, I would declare the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 as the winner for its slightly higher dry performance rating.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Hankook Kinergy GT.
Based on my research, I would rate the wet performance of the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire higher than the Hankook Kinergy GT.
The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring received a rating of 4.8 out of 5, with consistently positive reviews highlighting its amazing performance in wet weather, excellent wet traction, short stopping distances, and the benefits of its asymmetric tread pattern.
The Hankook Kinergy GT, on the other hand, received a rating of 4.4 out of 5, indicating solid grip, traction, and effective stopping distance in wet conditions.
Therefore, I declare the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Cooper Discoverer True North vs Hankook Winter i*cept evo2.
Based on my research and personal snow performance rating, I would rate the Cooper Discoverer True North tire as a 4.7 out of 5.
With its studless design, premium quality, and positive customer reviews, it excels in providing reliable traction and performance in various winter conditions.
On the other hand, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 receives a rating of 4.4 out of 5, offering a silica-enhanced compound, optimized pattern design, and 3D sipes for enhanced grip.
While both tires demonstrate strong snow performance, the Cooper Discoverer True North emerges as the winner with a slightly higher rating.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Hankook | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 100,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Cooper tires are known for their durability and are typically guaranteed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. | Hankook tires have an average tread life of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Based on my research, Cooper tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Hankook tires provide a warranty of up to 100,000 miles.
On average, Cooper tires are known to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whereas Hankook tires have an average lifespan of around 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Hankook tires tend to offer a slightly longer mileage warranty and average lifespan compared to Cooper tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs Hankook.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Cooper | Hankook | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $87 to $600 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Kinergy ST H735 goes from $80 – $152 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Dynapro MT2 RT05 goes from $191 – $600 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Cooper
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent performance and handling characteristics | ❌ Cooper tires may not be as widely available as other tire brands |
| ✔ Designed to be durable and long-lasting | |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options to suit different vehicles and driving needs |
Hankook
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Hankook tires are known for their affordable prices | ❌ Limited weather categorization |
| ✔ Good durability and longevity | |
| ✔ Generous mileage warranties of up to 100,000 miles |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of Hankook’s best tires are shown below:
- Ventus S1 Noble2
- Kinergy PT
- Dynapro AT2
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After evaluating the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, the winner between Cooper and Hankook tires is clear.
While both brands offer great options, the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 excels in dry performance, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring performs better in wet conditions, and the Cooper Discoverer True North outshines the Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 in snow.
Although Hankook offers a longer mileage warranty, the Cooper brand showcases excellent performance and durability.
Therefore, considering all factors, I declare Cooper as the better overall pick.