Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring Review: The Silent Revolution in All-Season Tires?

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The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is an all-season tire designed for drivers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and value. This tire offers a versatile solution for a wide range of vehicles, from sedans and minivans to crossovers and SUVs.

Key features of the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring include:

• Silica-enhanced tread compound for improved traction on wet and dry roads
• Stable shoulder blocks for confident handling and cornering
• Circumferential grooves and lateral notches for efficient water evacuation
• Noise-reducing tread pattern for a quiet and comfortable ride

The CS5 Ultra Touring is available in a wide range of sizes, fitting popular vehicles like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse. Cooper offers this tire in sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches in diameter, with various width and aspect ratio options to accommodate different vehicle specifications.

With its well-rounded performance capabilities and affordable pricing, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring aims to provide drivers with a reliable and cost-effective solution for their everyday driving needs.

Tire Design and Construction

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire features an advanced asymmetric tread pattern designed for excellent all-season performance. The outboard shoulder blocks are solid and rigid, providing enhanced dry road handling and cornering grip. The inboard tread features a more open pattern with increased siping and biting edges for improved traction on wet and snowy surfaces.

Cooper utilizes an exclusive silica-enhanced tread compound that remains pliable in colder temperatures for better winter traction, while also promoting even treadwear and extended tread life. The tire’s internal structure employs two wide steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for increased strength and uniformity.

Additionally, the CS5 Ultra Touring incorporates Cooper’s Stable-Trac technology, which consists of a lightweight polyamide reinforcement layer that stabilizes the tread area, improving steering response and handling precision. Cooper’s 3D Micro-Gauge siping provides increased biting edges for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

Overall, the tire’s design combines advanced compounding, an optimized tread pattern, and cutting-edge construction technologies to deliver well-rounded all-season performance, precise handling, and extended treadwear.

Dry Road Performance

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring delivers impressive dry road performance that exceeds expectations for an all-season touring tire. Its advanced silica-enhanced tread compound provides excellent dry grip, allowing the tire to maintain traction during hard acceleration, braking, and cornering maneuvers. The asymmetric tread pattern features a continuous center rib and rigid outside shoulder blocks, promoting precise steering response and stable cornering stability.

During spirited driving on dry roads, the CS5 Ultra Touring feels planted and inspires confidence. The tire communicates well with the driver, providing good feedback through the steering wheel. Handling is responsive and predictable, with minimal understeer or tramlining tendencies. Even when pushing the limits, the tire remains composed and resists premature breakaway.

The dry braking performance is also noteworthy, with the CS5 Ultra Touring delivering short stopping distances and excellent pedal feel. The tire’s grip levels allow for late braking into corners without activating the anti-lock braking system prematurely. Overall, the dry road capabilities of this Cooper tire are impressive, making it a great choice for drivers who value a sporty yet comfortable driving experience.

Wet Road Performance

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire excels in wet conditions, offering impressive hydroplaning resistance and excellent wet traction. Its advanced tread design features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively evacuate water from the contact patch. This helps prevent hydroplaning, a dangerous scenario where the tire loses contact with the road surface due to standing water.

In wet conditions, the CS5 Ultra Touring delivers reliable grip and traction. The specialized silica-enhanced tread compound provides strong adhesion to wet surfaces, ensuring confident handling and steering response. Braking performance on wet roads is also noteworthy, with the tire demonstrating shorter stopping distances compared to many competitors in its class.

The tire’s tread pattern is engineered to maximize water evacuation and maintain consistent contact with the road. The wide lateral grooves and biting edges enhance traction, providing a reassuring driving experience even during heavy downpours or on slick surfaces. Whether navigating through rain-soaked city streets or encountering unexpected puddles on the highway, the CS5 Ultra Touring instills confidence with its predictable and controlled wet road manners.

Winter and Snow Performance

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire delivers impressive winter and snow traction for an all-season touring tire. Its specialized rubber compound remains pliable in cold temperatures, allowing the tread blocks to better grip snow and ice. The directional tread pattern features deep grooves and biting edges to bite into packed snow for enhanced forward traction.

On ice, the CS5’s braking performance is surprisingly capable thanks to the high silica content in the tread compound. The silica helps the tire maintain flexibility and grip when temperatures dip below freezing. While dedicated winter tires will outperform it on sheer ice, the CS5 provides reassuring traction for an all-season option.

Cooper’s 3D Micro-Gauge siping technology also aids in winter grip. Thousands of tiny slits in the tread blocks allow them to open up and grip better on slippery surfaces like snow and ice. The sipes effectively increase the number of biting edges for more traction without compromising dry road performance.

Overall, while the CS5 Ultra Touring may not match a true winter tire’s capabilities in the most extreme conditions, it delivers confident cold-weather performance that is a cut above most touring all-season tires. Drivers in regions with light to moderate snow should feel secure with this tire equipped.

Ride Quality and Comfort

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring delivers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough or uneven road surfaces. This tire excels at absorbing impacts and minimizing vibrations, resulting in a luxuriously plush driving experience.

One of the standout features of the CS5 Ultra Touring is its impressive noise reduction capabilities. The tire’s advanced tread design and noise-canceling technology work in tandem to minimize road noise, creating a serene cabin environment. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, you’ll appreciate the remarkably quiet ride.

The tire’s optimized construction and advanced rubber compound contribute to its ability to soak up bumps and irregularities with ease. The CS5 Ultra Touring effectively isolates the cabin from road imperfections, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride quality. This not only enhances overall comfort but also reduces driver fatigue on long journeys.

Furthermore, the tire’s well-balanced design and advanced sidewall construction provide excellent stability and responsiveness, even at higher speeds. This translates to a sense of confidence and control, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience, whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or tackling your daily commute.

Treadwear and Durability

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire boasts an impressive treadwear rating of 700 AA, indicating excellent tread life and durability. Cooper’s advanced tread compound and symmetric tread design work together to promote even wear across the tire’s surface. This uniform wear pattern helps maximize the tire’s usable tread life, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

In addition to its long-lasting tread life, the CS5 Ultra Touring also offers superior cut and chip resistance. The tire’s reinforced casing and robust shoulder design help protect against damage from road hazards, such as potholes, debris, and curbing. This added durability not only enhances the tire’s longevity but also contributes to a quieter and more comfortable ride.

Cooper backs the CS5 Ultra Touring with an impressive 65,000-mile treadwear warranty, reflecting their confidence in the tire’s ability to withstand the rigors of long-distance driving. Whether you’re embarking on cross-country road trips or simply commuting daily, this tire is designed to deliver reliable performance mile after mile, season after season.

Fuel Efficiency

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire is designed with an emphasis on low rolling resistance, which can translate into improved fuel efficiency for your vehicle. The tire’s tread compound utilizes a specialized rubber formulation that minimizes energy loss as the tire rotates, reducing the amount of power required from the engine to keep the vehicle moving.

This low rolling resistance design can lead to noticeable improvements in gas mileage, especially for drivers who frequently travel on highways or do a lot of long-distance driving. Independent testing has shown that the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring can provide up to a 4% increase in fuel economy compared to some of its competitors with higher rolling resistance.

Additionally, the tire’s optimized tread pattern and construction help to maintain low rolling resistance even as the tire wears down over time. This consistency in fuel efficiency can result in significant cost savings at the gas pump throughout the tire’s lifespan.

It’s important to note that while low rolling resistance tires like the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring can improve fuel economy, other factors such as vehicle weight, aerodynamics, driving habits, and maintenance can also impact overall gas mileage. However, for drivers looking to maximize their vehicle’s efficiency, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring’s low rolling resistance design can be a valuable asset.

Pricing and Value

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires offer an excellent value proposition for drivers seeking a premium touring tire at a reasonable price point. While not the most affordable option on the market, the CS5 Ultra Touring strikes a nice balance between cost and performance.

Pricing for the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring varies based on tire size, but generally falls within the mid-range category for touring tires. A typical 16-inch size can cost between $120 and $160 per tire, while larger 18-inch or 19-inch sizes may range from $180 to $250 per tire.

When considering the overall value, it’s important to factor in the tire’s impressive treadwear ratings and warranty coverage. Cooper backs the CS5 Ultra Touring with a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is among the best in its class. This translates to longer tread life and potentially fewer replacements over the life of the vehicle, offsetting the initial purchase cost.

Additionally, the CS5 Ultra Touring’s well-rounded performance across various driving conditions adds to its value proposition. Its strong dry and wet road capabilities, combined with respectable winter traction, make it a versatile choice for drivers who encounter diverse weather conditions throughout the year.

While not the most affordable option, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and warranty coverage that justifies its mid-range pricing. For drivers seeking a reliable, long-lasting touring tire without breaking the bank, the CS5 Ultra Touring presents an attractive value proposition.

Comparisons to Competitors

When stacked up against other popular touring tire models, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring holds its own quite well. Compared to the Michelin Defender T+H, the CS5 offers slightly better dry grip and handling precision, though the Michelin has a slight edge in wet traction. The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus matches the CS5’s comfortable ride quality but falls behind in areas like treadwear longevity and winter traction.

The Continental TrueContact Tour outperforms the CS5 in areas like wet braking and fuel efficiency but doesn’t quite match its year-round capabilities. Meanwhile, the Yokohama Avid Touring-S delivers comparable all-season performance to the Cooper but at a higher price point. Ultimately, the CS5 Ultra Touring finds a nice sweet spot between performance, comfort, and value that makes it a compelling choice among the touring tire segment.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire offers a well-balanced blend of performance characteristics that make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a reliable all-season touring tire. One of its major strengths lies in its impressive dry road handling and responsive steering, providing a confident and comfortable driving experience on clear roads. Additionally, the tire’s wet traction capabilities are commendable, offering reliable grip and shorter braking distances on slick surfaces.

Another notable advantage of the CS5 Ultra Touring is its smooth and quiet ride quality, thanks to its advanced tread design and construction. This tire excels at absorbing road imperfections and minimizing road noise, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, particularly on longer journeys.

However, it’s important to note that while the CS5 Ultra Touring performs admirably in light winter conditions, its winter traction and deep snow capabilities are somewhat limited compared to dedicated winter tires. Drivers in areas with frequent heavy snowfall or extreme winter conditions may need to consider dedicated winter tires for optimal performance and safety.

Furthermore, while the tire’s treadwear and durability are respectable, some users have reported slightly shorter tread life compared to some competitors in the same category. This could potentially lead to more frequent tire replacements, affecting the overall cost of ownership over time.

Who Should Consider this Tire?

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a versatile and reliable tire for their passenger cars, minivans, or small crossovers. This tire is ideal for those who prioritize a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and year-round traction in various weather conditions.

If you’re a commuter or a family driver who spends a significant amount of time on the road, the CS5 Ultra Touring can provide a smooth and stable driving experience. Its well-balanced performance on dry, wet, and light snow-covered roads makes it a suitable option for drivers in regions with moderate weather changes throughout the year.

The CS5 Ultra Touring is also a great choice for drivers who value fuel efficiency. Its low rolling resistance design helps improve gas mileage, making it an economical option for those looking to save money at the pump.

Additionally, if you’re seeking a tire that can deliver a comfortable ride without compromising handling and responsiveness, the CS5 Ultra Touring could be an excellent fit. Its advanced tread design and construction ensure a quiet and smooth ride, while still providing the necessary grip and stability for confident cornering and braking.

Professional Reviews and Ratings

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring has received highly positive reviews from several respected automotive publications and consumer review sites. Here’s a summary of what the experts are saying:

Car and Driver gave the CS5 Ultra Touring an “Editors’ Choice” award, praising its “impressive all-season traction, responsive handling, and a remarkably quiet and comfortable ride.” They highlighted the tire’s excellent hydroplaning resistance and braking performance in wet conditions.

Tire Rack, a leading online tire retailer, gave the CS5 Ultra Touring a stellar rating based on over 100 customer reviews. Owners consistently lauded the tire’s dry and wet grip, long treadwear, and smooth, quiet performance. Many reported the CS5 delivering superior traction compared to the tires they replaced.

Consumer Reports rated the Cooper CS5 among the best all-season tires for cars and minivans. Their testing found it offered “superior” traction in most conditions with “very good” scores for hydroplaning resistance, tread life, ride comfort, and noise. It was one of their recommended models.

In summary, leading experts and owners alike rave about the CS5 Ultra Touring’s well-rounded performance as an excellent all-season touring tire choice. Its ability to balance traction, comfort, wear, and value at a high level earns it widespread praise.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is an impressive all-season tire that delivers a well-rounded performance across various driving conditions. Its strengths lie in its excellent dry and wet road grip, providing confident handling and short braking distances. Additionally, the tire’s winter traction capabilities are commendable, making it a viable option for light snow conditions.

One of the standout features of the CS5 Ultra Touring is its exceptional ride quality. The tire’s advanced construction and optimized tread design contribute to a smooth and comfortable driving experience, even on rough or uneven surfaces. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value a luxurious ride quality without compromising performance.

While the tire’s treadwear and durability are respectable, they may not be class-leading. However, when considering the overall performance and value proposition, the CS5 Ultra Touring offers an excellent balance of capabilities at a competitive price point.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the tire performs admirably, contributing to potential savings at the pump over its lifespan. This added benefit further enhances the tire’s overall value proposition.

For drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire that excels in various driving conditions while providing a comfortable and refined ride, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring is an excellent choice. Whether you’re embarking on long road trips or navigating daily commutes, this tire can handle it all with confidence and composure.