When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
That’s why I decided to delve into the Cooper vs Nokian debate.
In this post, I’ll be taking a comprehensive look at these two tire brands, examining their history, performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and weighing their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll have a clear winner in the battle of Cooper vs Nokian.
Cooper vs Nokian – Comparison Table
| Cooper | Nokian | |
| Country of Origin | United States of America | Finland |
| Year Founded | 1914 | 1988 |
| Made In | Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas but could also be made in China | Finland and Russia |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Nokian Tyres plc (Finland) |
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. Nokian
Nokian Tyres, a renowned tire brand, was founded in Finland in 1988 and is currently a subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, Nokian has established itself as a leading global tire manufacturer.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and high-quality products has earned it a strong reputation in the industry.
Nokian is particularly known for its expertise in winter tires, thanks to its Finnish roots and the country’s demanding weather conditions.
The brand’s tires are designed to provide exceptional grip, safety, and durability in harsh winter conditions, making them popular worldwide.
Nokian’s continuous research and development efforts have resulted in numerous breakthroughs, including the introduction of unique technologies and eco-friendly materials in their tire manufacturing processes.
Today, Nokian Tyres continues to deliver cutting-edge tire solutions, catering to diverse customer needs across different regions.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Heavy machinery
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 Nokian zLine.
In my evaluation of the dry performance, I would rate the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 with a score of 4.3 out of 5.
This tire has garnered positive reviews for its exceptional grip, precise handling, and good dry braking capabilities.
It provides a comfortable ride with minimal noise.
On the other hand, the Nokian zLine receives a rating of 4.2 out of 5 for its precise handling, sporty characteristics, and good dry traction.
While both tires offer impressive dry performance, the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 edges slightly ahead with its higher ranking in dry braking.
Therefore, I would declare the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 as the preferred choice for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring vs the Nokian WR G4.
In my evaluation, I rate the wet performance of the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire at 4.8 out of 5.
It has consistently garnered positive reviews for its exceptional wet performance, boasting excellent wet traction, short stopping distances, and the benefits of its asymmetric tread pattern.
On the other hand, the Nokian WR G4 tire showcases an overall wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It offers commendable wet grip, stable cornering, and is designed as an all-weather tire.
Considering the ratings, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring emerges as the winner, albeit by a slight margin.
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 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5.
As someone who has personally evaluated the snow performance of both the Cooper Discoverer True North and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tires, I would rate the Cooper Discoverer True North with a score of 4.7 out of 5.
This tire showcases excellent traction and performance in various winter conditions, including snow and ice.
On the other hand, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 receives a rating of 4.8 out of 5, indicating reliable snow performance with its Double Block Grip design.
Both tires have commendable features, making it difficult to declare a clear winner.
Thus, I would consider it a tie in terms of snow performance capabilities.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Cooper | Nokian | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 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. | The lifespan of Nokian tires can vary but on average they can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both Cooper and Nokian tires offer treadwear warranties of up to 80,000 miles.
However, the average lifespan of Cooper tires ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 miles, while Nokian tires can last anywhere between 40,000 to 85,000 miles.
This indicates that Nokian tires generally have a longer average lifespan than Cooper tires.
It’s important to note that individual driving habits and road conditions can affect the actual mileage achieved.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Cooper vs Nokian.
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 | Nokian | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $73 to $585 /ea | $73 to $585 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Evolution Winter Studded goes from $73 – $225 /ea | Nordman 7 goes from $73 – $177 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Discoverer STT Pro goes from $220 – $585 /ea | Hakkapeliitta 10SUV goes from $173 – $696 /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 |
Nokian
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Your go-to brand for winter tires and only tire manufacturer in the world with its own permanent winter tire testing facility | ❌ Limited market presence |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment | |
| ✔ Innovative technology, such as the Hakkapeliitta R3’s “Aramid Sidewall Technology,” which uses the same material used in bulletproof vests |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Cooper:
- Discoverer STT Pro
- Discoverer AT3 4S
- Evolution Tour
Some of Nokian’s best tires are shown below:
- Hakkapeliitta R3
- WR G4
- Rotiiva AT Plus
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluations of dry performance, the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 emerges as the preferred choice.
In terms of wet performance, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring takes the lead, albeit by a slight margin.
For snow performance, both the Cooper Discoverer True North and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 display commendable features, resulting in a tie.
However, when considering mileage warranty and average lifespan, Nokian tires generally have a longer lifespan.
Therefore, overall, Nokian is the better pick.
