Cooper Evolution MT Review

One of several mud-terrain tires offered from Cooper Tires, the Evolution MT delivers incredible off-road performance with a touch more civility than most. And that’s not all.

PROS

  • Fantastic off-road grip an durability
  • Reasonably priced
  • Surprisingly quiet
  • Durable 3-ply sidewall
  • Impressive winter grip, plus they are studdable

CONS

  • Limited sizes

   

A close examination of this tire’s tread reveals a lot about it’s capabilities. The four-row designed leaves loads of void space to churn through softer surfaces, with plenty of edges to grab on to rocks.

The exterior tread blocks feature an alternating design, with scoops dug into every second lug. This helps give an advantage when churning through loose dirt, rocks or mud. Further down the sidewall there’s an added layer of tread to help improve friction against rocks – while also helping protect the sidewall.

As expected on an MT tire, the Evolution MT makes use of a 3-ply sidewall for maximum puncture resistance. This also makes sure you can air them down and back up again without damaging the sidewall, which could impact overall tire life.

At the base of the tread there’s actually quite a lot going on. Between each of the external tread blocks are what Cooper calls its “Mud Slingers” technology. This is just a fancy name for stone ejector ribs that flex to clear away rocks (and mud) from the gripping surface.

Between the interior tread blocks are rows of connectors that Cooper calls Stone Barriers. These function as stone ejectors as well, but also serve to protect the base of the tread from damage.

All of these features combine to make a tire that grips on or in any surface. It’s genuinely one of the best mud-terrain tires out there and extremely durable too. But perhaps the best reasons to buy it are its other surprises.

For starters, it’s impressively quiet. anyone shopping for MT tires probably isn’t too concerned with on-road noise levels, however, if you can reduce that drone, why wouldn’t you?

Winter grip is also better than expected here. It’s not entirely clear what Cooper did here to achieve this, but traction on icy roads and snow is beyond what you usually get in a maximum traction tire. Plus if that’s not enough for you, they are actually studdable.

What might just seal the deal for many is the price. While all MT tires cost a premium, these Coopers are priced less than most top-tier options, but perform right up there with them.

About the only reason to not opt for these tires is that you may have trouble finding the right size for your rig. Currently sizes are limited and we’re waiting for Cooper to roll out a larger product selection.

Overall, we’re sold on the performance and durability of the Evolution MT, especially considering the added civility and attractive price.

Cooper Evolution MT Price

Pricing for the Evolution MT ranges from just over $200 for he most affordable option and goes up to just under $400 for the most expensive (and largest) option.

   

Cooper Evolution MT Warranty

As a mud-terrain tire there is no mileage warranty of the Cooper Evolution MT. It does, however, come with the brand’s standard limited warranty that covers defective tires with a free replacement during the first 2/32-inch of wear. After that point, and down to the final 2/32-inch of tread, Cooper will replace defective tires on a pro-rated basis.

As well, the Evolution MT comes with a 45 day road test guarantee.

Cooper Evolution MT Sizes

16-inch sizes
265/75R16
LT285/75R16

17-inch sizes
LT265/70R17
LT285/70R17
LT295/70R17
35X12.5R17LT

18-inch sizes
LT275/70R18
LT295/70R18

20-inch sizes
35X12.5R20LT

What ply is the Cooper Evolution MT?

All but the smallest versions of the Evolution MT are Load Range E / 10-ply. As a mud-terrain tire it makes use of a durable 3-ply sidewall for added protection from side punctures.