When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve decided to delve into the world of tire brands and compare two popular contenders: Cooper vs Nitto.
In this post, we will explore their rich history, dissect their performances in dry, wet, and snow conditions, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespan, scrutinize their prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s dive into this captivating comparison!
Cooper vs Nitto – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Nitto | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1949 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Bartow County, GA, China, Japan, and Malaysia |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Toyo Tire Corporation (Japan) |
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. Nitto
Nitto is a renowned tire brand with its roots in Japan.
Founded in 1949, it is now a subsidiary of the Toyo Tire Corporation since the acquisition in 1979.
Nitto has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality tires that deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition globally for its innovative tire technologies and cutting-edge designs.
Nitto offers a diverse range of tires, catering to various vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
With a commitment to excellence, Nitto consistently emphasizes research and development to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Today, Nitto tires are sought after by drivers who seek superior traction, handling, and durability.
With its Japanese heritage and affiliation with Toyo Tire Corporation, Nitto continues to be a trusted and respected name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Crossovers
- High-performance cars
- Off-road vehicles
- Side by side 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 Nitto NT555 G2.
In my opinion, as the one giving the dry performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 with a score of 4.3 and the Nitto NT555 G2 with a score of 4.5.
Both tires exhibit impressive qualities for dry performance, including excellent grip, handling, and braking.
The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 stands out for its grip and ranked 3rd in dry braking, while the Nitto NT555 G2 receives praise for its cornering grip, responsive steering, and quick acceleration.
Considering their similar levels of dry performance, I declare it a tie between the two.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Nitto Motivo.
Based on my research and personal wet performance ratings, I would conclude that the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire outperforms the Nitto Motivo in wet conditions.
With a wet performance rating of 4.8 out of 5, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring has consistently received positive reviews for its exceptional wet traction, short stopping distances, and the benefits of its asymmetric tread pattern.
While the Nitto Motivo offers good wet traction with a rating of 4.3, it may not be as competitive as some newer options.
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 Nitto SN2 Winter.
In my opinion, as someone who rates snow performance from 1 to 5, the Cooper Discoverer True North tire stands out with a snow performance rating of 4.7.
This premium studless winter tire excels in various winter conditions, offering reliable traction and performance.
Cooper’s winter tire technology and positive customer reviews further support its snow performance capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nitto SN2 Winter tire rates 4.4, indicating reliable snow performance with features like a silica-enhanced tread compound and symmetrical tread pattern.
Considering the higher rating, the Cooper Discoverer True North appears to be the better tire for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Nitto | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 75,000 mile 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. | On average, Nitto tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting my research, I found that Cooper and Nitto tires offer comparable mileage warranties.
Cooper tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Nitto tires offer a warranty of up to 75,000 miles.
In terms of average lifespan, Cooper tires typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, while Nitto tires can last anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Both brands are known for their durability and provide a decent lifespan for your vehicle.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs Nitto.
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 | Nitto | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $97 to $1,447 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Neo Gen goes from $97 – $352 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Trail Grappler M/T goes from $279 – $1,447 /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 |
Nitto
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Generally considered to be of good quality, offering durability and reliability | |
| ✔ Solid performance tires |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of Nitto’s best tires are shown below:
- NT555 G2
- Terra Grappler G2
- Motivo
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering their performance in dry, wet, and snow conditions, along with their mileage warranties and average lifespan, I declare a winner.
Cooper tires, with their excellent grip and handling, exceptional wet traction, and reliable snow performance, along with a comparable mileage warranty and average lifespan, emerge as the better pick overall.
While Nitto tires offer solid performance and a wide range of options, their higher price range and slightly lower ratings in certain categories make Cooper the preferable choice.